Boardman for commute

[gazmercer]

As my Apollo MTB is currently out of action until I replace the bearings on the back wheel I have been commuting on my boardman (Clipless and in Lycra) and oh what a difference it's made.

It's a much nicer ride, much quicker too YIPPEE!! plus it's giving me the opportunity to pedal properly. After reading on numerous forums, I am now able to pedal in a near circular motion, I think (Using the "trying to get something off the bottom of the shoe movement")

Worst thing is, now I don't want to get the MTB fixed, instead I am thinking (even though I am absolutely skint) of saving for another road bike (Cannondale, Specialized, etc...) YUM !!

Oh and bib tights for the win. Keep me so much warmer and are much more comfortable

 

[OvertheHill]

I got a Boardman on cycle2work this year and I am liking it. It's a big change from my MTB in that I have to actually watch where I am riding as opposed to just ploughing through potholes! I haven't got my riding position quite right yet because my foot aches slightly - apparently my knee points outward and the Boardman is less forgiving. Also had a few issues with the gears on the top end - the Halfords guy seemed to suggest that was normal for these bikes?

 

[upsidedown]

- the Halfords guy seemed to suggest that was normal for these bikes?

I would be very surprised if that were true. I'd take it to a bike shop and ask for their opinion.

The Boarmans look great, if they did one in my size i'd have a serious think about getting one.

 

[cyberknight]

Sounds like total rowlocks to me , maybe they cannot set gears up right, i am sure that Mr Armstrong who used SRAM as well? would not put up with it. As for knees are you clipless? sounds like you need to look at your clips and or seat height/position.

 

[gazmercer]

... Also had a few issues with the gears on the top end - the Halfords guy seemed to suggest that was normal for these bikes?

My gears have been spot-on since I got the bike. I smell a whiff of BS there to be honest.

 

[OvertheHill]

Yes I figured it would be. Had one or two problems with Shimano indexing as the cables stretched over time but shouldn't be happening after a few weeks. It's been okay the last few rides so will wait until the free 6 week service and watch them check the derailleurs.

As for my foot, I am on clips and my natural stroke is to have my right knee slightly outward rather than straight. I think I'll tweak the cleats slightly

 

[Duds]

nothing wrong with the gears - it's Halfords.

some of their shops / guys know there stuff, are well informed, dilligent and provide an excellent build and service.
Others would fail to get a job at KFC.

The problem with Halfords is that there is no consistency, and it is a real postcode lottery as to whether you have a good experience with them.

Unfortunately, i think the good guys are in the minority - i got lucky.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

SRAM stuff is, imo, a bit more prone to bad indexing due to mucky cables or cable stretch but when set up properly it all should work perfectly.

 

[hackbike 666]

My fixie is so much different to my normal heavy commuter it's been a joy to ride.
I even made it earlier than my target time of 5am at work this morning.

Unfortunately the cabbies don't like me a lot.

 

[Moodyman]

Hackbike - Is this your Charge bike?

If it is, how you findings the ride & handling?

 

[hackbike 666]

Hackbike - Is this your Charge bike?

If it is, how you findings the ride & handling?

It's great....no probs apart from the back wheel buckling a slightly...but I have tightened the spokes up and it seems ok.

Apart from that it's been great.I've done fifty miles on it now.

Taken to fixie again like a duck to beer.

 

[Sargent]

Yeah... bib and tights always for the win

 

[bhodgkiss]

Boardmans are decent bikes - found that the wheels are a bit naff though?

 

[hackbike 666]

Bloke at work has one...white frame.